Levi Leipheimer dropped by Omega Pharma after admitting to doping

Levi Leipheimer has been dropped by Omega Pharma after admitting to doping while Lance Armstrong's team-mate.

Last Updated: 16/10/12 6:54pm

Levi Leipheimer: Dropped by Omega

Leipheimer was one of a number of riders who testified against Armstrong to the United States Anti-Doping Agency, who have accused the United States Postal Service team of running 'the most sophisticated doping programme that sport has ever seen'.

A statement issued by Omega QuickStep read: "The contract with Mr Leipheimer has been terminated, effective immediately.

"We commend the rider for his open co-operation with USADA and contribution to cleaning up the sport of cycling. However, in the light of the disclosures made by Mr Leipheimer in his public statement on October 10, the team has decided to terminate the contract.

"This decision has the full support of the team owner, the board represented by Mr Bessel Kok and team manager Mr Patrick Lefevere."

Leipheimer accepted a six-month ban from USADA and was last week placed on "non-active status", effectively suspended, by his Belgian team.

The 38-year-old was a team-mate of Armstrong's at US Postal in 2000 and 2001, at Astana when the Texan made his comeback in 2009 and at Team RadioShack in 2010.

Leipheimer joined Omega Pharma-QuickStep from RadioShack for the 2012 season, but is now without an employer.

He has finished in the Tour de France top 10 four times, including third in 2007 while riding for Discovery Channel.